Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016
Environmental Sciences Bachelor | ||||||
Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2011) | ||||||
Basic Courses II | ||||||
Examination Blocks | ||||||
Examination Block 1 | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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402-0063-00L | Physics II | O | 5 credits | 3V + 1U | A. Vaterlaus | |
Abstract | Introduction to the "way of thinking" and the methodology in Physics, with the help of demonstration experiments. The Chapters treated are Electromagnetism, Refraction and Diffraction of Waves, Elements of Quantum Mechanics with applications to Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Phase Transitions, Transport Phenomena. Whenever possible, examples relevant to the students' main field of study are given. | |||||
Objective | Introduction to the scientific methodology. The student should develop his/her capability to turn physical observations into mathematical models, and to solve the latter. | |||||
Content | Elektromagnetismus, Elektromagnetische Wellen, Wellenoptik, Strahlenoptik, Quantenoptik, Quantenmechanik, Thermische Eigenschaften, Transportphänomene, Wärmestrahlung | |||||
Lecture notes | Skript wird verteilt. | |||||
Literature | Friedhelm Kuypers Physik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler Band 2 Elektrizität, Optik, Wellen Wiley-VCH, 2012 ISBN 3527411445, 9783527411443 Douglas C. Giancoli Physik 3. erweiterte Auflage Pearson Studium Hans J. Paus Physik in Experimenten und Beispielen Carl Hanser Verlag, München, 2002, 1068 S. Paul A. Tipler Physik Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1998, 1522 S., ca Fr. 120.- David Halliday Robert Resnick Jearl Walker Physik Wiley-VCH, 2003, 1388 S., Fr. 87.- (bis 31.12.03) dazu gratis Online Ressourcen (z.B. Simulationen): Link | |||||
701-0245-00L | Introduction to Evolutionary Biology | O | 2 credits | 2V | G. Velicer, S. Wielgoss | |
Abstract | This course introduces important questions about the evolutionary processes involved in the generation and maintenance of biological diversity across all domains of life and how evolutionary science investigates these questions. | |||||
Objective | This course introduces important questions about the evolutionary processes involved in the generation and maintenance of biological diversity across all domains of life and how evolutionary science investigates these questions. The topics covered range from different forms of selection, phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, life history theory, the evolution of sex, social evolution to human evolution. These topics are important for the understanding of a number of evolutionary problems in the basic and applied sciences. | |||||
Content | Topics likely to be covered in this course include research methods in evolutionary biology, adaptation, evolution of sex, evolutionary transitions, human evolution, infectious disease evolution, life history evolution, macroevolution, mechanisms of evolution, phylogenetic analysis, population dynamics, population genetics, social evolution, speciation and types of selection. | |||||
Literature | Textbook: Evolutionary Analysis Scott Freeman and Jon Herron 5th Edition, English. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The exam is based on lecture and textbook. | |||||
701-0255-00L | Biochemistry | O | 2 credits | 2V | H.‑P. Kohler | |
Abstract | Building on the biology courses in the 1st and 2nd semesters, this course covers basic biochemical knowledge in the areas of enzymology and metabolism. Those completing the course are able to describe and understand fundamental cellular metabolic processes. | |||||
Objective | Students are able to understand - the structure and function of biological macromolecules - the kinetic bases of enzyme reactions - thermodynamic and mechanistic basics of relevant metabolic processes Students are able to describe the relevant metabolic reactions in detail | |||||
Content | Program Introduction, basics, composition of cells, biochemical units, repetition of relevant organic chemistry Structure and function of proteins Carbohydrates Lipids an biological membranes Enzymes and enzyme kinetics Catalytic strategies Metabolism: Basic concepts and design. Repetition of basic thermodynamics Glycolysis, fermentation The citric acid cycle Oxidative phosphorylation Fatty acid metabolism | |||||
Lecture notes | Horton et al. (Pearson) serves as lecture notes. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Basic knowledge in biology and chemistry is a precondition. | |||||
752-4001-00L | Microbiology | O | 2 credits | 2V | M. Schuppler, S. Schlegel, J. Vorholt-Zambelli | |
Abstract | Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, Prokaryotic Diversity, Human-Microbe Interactions, Biotechnology. | |||||
Objective | Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology. | |||||
Content | Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Themen: Bakterielle Zellbiologie, Molekulare Genetik, Wachstumsphysiologie, Biochemische Diversität, Phylogenie und Taxonomie, Prokaryotische Vielfalt, Interaktion zwischen Menschen und Mikroorganismen sowie Biotechnologie. | |||||
Lecture notes | Wird von den jeweiligen Dozenten ausgegeben. | |||||
Literature | Die Behandlung der Themen erfolgt auf der Basis des Lehrbuchs Brock, Biology of Microorganisms | |||||
Examination Block 2 | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0023-00L | Atmosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | H. Wernli, E. Fischer, T. Peter | |
Abstract | Basic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer. | |||||
Objective | Understanding of basic physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. Understanding of mechanisms of and interactions between: weather - climate, atmosphere - ocean - continents, troposhere - stratosphere. Understanding of environmentally relevant structures and processes on vastly differing scales. Basis for the modelling of complex interrelations in the atmospehre. | |||||
Content | Basic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer. | |||||
Lecture notes | Written information will be supplied. | |||||
Literature | - John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, New York, 1998. - Gösta H. Liljequist, Allgemeine Meteorologie, Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1974. | |||||
701-0071-00L | Mathematics III: Systems Analysis | O | 4 credits | 2V + 1U | N. Gruber, D. Byrne | |
Abstract | The objective of the systems analysis course is to deepen and illustrate the mathematical concepts on the basis of a series of very concrete examples. Topics covered include: linear box models with one or several variables, non-linear box models with one or several variables, time-discrete models, and continuous models in time and space. | |||||
Objective | Learning and applying of concepts (models) and quantitative methods to address concrete problems of environmental relevance. Understanding and applying the systems-analytic approach, i.e., Recognizing the core of the problem - simplification - quantitative approach - prediction. | |||||
Content | Link | |||||
Lecture notes | Overhead slides will be made available through Ilias. | |||||
Literature | Imboden, D.S. and S. Pfenninger (2013) Introduction to Systems Analysis: Mathematically Modeling Natural Systems. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer Verlag. Link | |||||
701-0401-00L | Hydrosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | R. Kipfer, C. Roques | |
Abstract | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | |||||
Objective | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | |||||
Content | Topics of the course. Physical properties of water (i.e. density and equation of state) - global water resources Exchange at boundaries - energy (thermal & kinetic), gas exchange Mixing and transport processes in open waters - vertical stratification, large scale transport - turbulence and mixing - mixing and exchange processes in rivers Groundwater and its dynamics - ground water as part of the terrestrial water cycle - ground water hydraulics, Darcy's law - aquifers and their properties - hydrochemistry and tracer - ground water use Case studies - 1. Water as resource, 2. Water and climate | |||||
Lecture notes | In addition to the suggested literature handouts are distributed. | |||||
Literature | Suggested literature. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The case studies and the analysis of the questions and problems are integral part of the course. | |||||
701-0501-00L | Pedosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | R. Kretzschmar | |
Abstract | Introduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples. | |||||
Objective | Introduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples. | |||||
Content | Definition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation. | |||||
Lecture notes | Lecture notes can be purchased during the first lecture (15.- SFr) | |||||
Literature | - Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology. | |||||
Additional Compulsory Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0033-00L | Laboratory Course in Physics for Students of Environmental Sciences | O | 2 credits | 4P | M. Münnich, A. Biland, N. Gruber | |
Abstract | The course provides an individual experience of physical phenomena and the basic principles of experiments. By carrying out simple physical experiments the students learn the proper use measuring instruments, the correct evaluation of report of the measured data and how to interpret the final results. | |||||
Objective | This laboratory course aims to provide basic knowledge of - the setup of a physics experiment, - the use of measurement instruments, - various measuring techniques, - the analysis or measurement errors, - and the interpretations of the measured quantities. | |||||
Content | The students select 8 out of 20 experiments which they like to conduct. For each of these experiments the students will analyze the data they measure estimate the error of there measurements and compare these with the physical theory. Additionally each student will present one of their experiments in a seminar. | |||||
Lecture notes | Manuals for the experiments are provided online. | |||||
701-0035-00L | Integrated Practical Observation Networks | O | 1.5 credits | 4P | J. Henneberger, T. Tormann | |
Abstract | Observation networks - the combination of individual instruments - are the starting point of quantitative environmental studies. The structure and idiosyncrasies of existing observation networks are shown. When working in individual experiments on practical problems, various types of observation networks are dealt with; questions related to data quality and data availability are discussed. | |||||
Objective | Getting acquainted with existing networks. Insight into problems related to measuring and interpreting multi-dimensional fields of atmospheric physical, atmospheric chemical, and geophysical parameters. | |||||
Content | Observation networks for atmospheric physical, atmospheric chemical, geophysical, hydrological and climatological parameters on different scales (synoptic: 1000 km; mesoscale: 100 km, and microscale: 100 m). Combination of surface observation with remotely sensed data (satellite, radar). Solving interpolation problems in multi-dimensional fields of the observed variables. Assessing the representativity of local values, i.e., the directly observed variable in an observation network. | |||||
Lecture notes | The script is published anew every year. Apart from the description of the scientific problems to be worked on in individual experiments, it contains some theoretical chapters on observation networks, as well as guidelines for writing and publishing scientific papers. The script can be downloaded as pdf from the course webpage. | |||||
Literature | Literature is listed in the script. | |||||
Social Sciences and Humanities Module | ||||||
Module Economics | ||||||
Compulsory Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
363-0387-00L | Corporate Sustainability | O | 3 credits | 2G | V. Hoffmann | |
Abstract | The lectures addresses the assessment of corporate sustainability and its links to strategy, technology, and finance. Students learn why sustainability matters for managers and how businesses can act towards it. E-modules allow students to train critical thinking skills. In the 2nd half of the semester, sustainability challenges on water, energy, mobility, and food are explored in group projects. | |||||
Objective | Understand the limits and the potential of corporate sustainability for sustainable development Develop critical thinking skills (argumentation, communication, evaluative judgment) that are useful in the context of corporate sustainability using an innovative writing and peer review method. Be able to recognize and realize opportunities for corporate sustainability in a business environment | |||||
Content | Overview of the key concepts of corporate sustainability and topics related to Water, Energy, Mobility, and Food Business implications of sustainable development, in particular for the assessment of sustainability performance, strategic change towards sustainability, technological innovations and sustainability, and finance and corporate sustainability. Critical thinking skills for corporate sustainability. In-depth case studies of corporate sustainability challenges in the track phase: How to deal with environmental pressure groups? How to use the strengths of business to solve pressing sustainability problems? How to catalyze technological innovations for sustainability? How to invest money in a sustainable way? | |||||
Lecture notes | Presentation slides will be made available on moodle prior to lectures. | |||||
Literature | Literature recommendations will be distributed during the lecture | |||||
751-1551-00L | Ressourcen- und Umweltökonomie | O | 3 credits | 2V | L. Bretschger, A. Müller | |
Abstract | Relationship between economy and environment, market failure, external effects and public goods, contingent valuation, internalisation of externalities; economics of non-renewable resources, economics of renewable resources, cost-benefit analysis, sustainability, and international aspects of resource and environmental economics. | |||||
Objective | Understanding of the basic issues and methods in resource and environmental economics; ability to solve typical problems in the field using the appropriate tools, which are concise verbal explanations, diagrams or mathematical expressions. Topics are: Introduction to resource and environmental economics Importance of resource and environmental economics Main issues of resource and environmental economics Normative basis Utilitarianism Fairness according to Rawls Economic growth and environment Externalities in the environmental sphere Governmental internalisation of externalities Private internalisation of externalities: the Coase theorem Free rider problem and public goods Types of public policy Efficient level of pollution Tax vs. permits Command and Control Instruments Empirical data on non-renewable natural resources Optimal price development: the Hotelling-rule Effects of exploration and Backstop-technology Effects of different types of markets. Biological growth function Optimal depletion of renewable resources Social inefficiency as result of over-use of open-access resources Cost-benefit analysis and the environment Measuring environmental benefit Measuring costs Concept of sustainability Technological feasibility Conflicts sustainability / optimality Indicators of sustainability Problem of climate change Cost and benefit of climate change Climate change as international ecological externality International climate policy: Kyoto protocol Implementation of the Kyoto protocol in Switzerland | |||||
Content | Economy and natural environment, welfare concepts and market failure, external effects and public goods, measuring externalities and contingent valuation, internalising external effects and environmental policy, economics of non-renewable resources, renewable resources, cost-benefit-analysis, sustainability issues, international aspects of resource and environmental problems, selected examples and case studies. | |||||
Lecture notes | The script and lecture material are provided at: Link | |||||
Literature | Perman, R., Ma, Y., McGilvray, J, Common, M.: "Natural Resource & Environmental Economics", 3d edition, Longman, Essex 2003. | |||||
Core Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0763-00L | Basic Concepts of Management | W | 2 credits | 2V | R. Schwarzenbach | |
Abstract | This course deals with fundamental and proven management concepts. The lecturers emphasize the pracitcal applicability of concepts. The course was designed in close cooperation with practitioneers; e.g. will Mr. S. Baldenweg, mechanical engineer ETH, MBA Insead, share his experience in several guest lectures. | |||||
Objective | Students: • will be familiar with basic general management concepts. • learn about the fundamental concepts of strategy development with practical examples. • will get to know the basic organisational issues and the essential types of organisations. • get a rough overview on the concepts of financial management. • will learn about the strategic positionining of small departments within larger organisations. • will learn about the fundamental mechanisms for handling change, and will be able to recognise these situations. • will learn the basic principles of project management and of successful self-management. • will reflect on customer oriented information representation. | |||||
Content | Management ist ein Massenberuf der durch klare Aufgaben und entsprechenden Werkzuge beschrieben werden kann. Die Positionierung einer Firma, oder eines Bereiches bedingt die Analyse des Umfeldes und die Befassung mit den zukünftigen Herausforderungen. Dazu werden verschiedene Ansätze gezeigt und die grundlegenden Denkmuster vermittelt. Für die Umsetzung einer Strategie muss die Zusammenarbeit von Menschen entsprechend organisiert werden. Dazu werden die wesentlichen Organisationsmodelle und die Dynamik von Organisationen vermittelt. Die finanzielle Abbildung von Organisationen und Projekten wird übersichtsweise dargestellt und die stufengerechte Darstellung von Informationen anhand von realen Beispielen besprochen. Die Inhalte werden durchgängig mit Praxisbeispielen illustriert. | |||||
Lecture notes | Skripten werden elektronisch zur Verfügung gestellt. Link | |||||
Literature | Empfohlen werden folgende Titel für die Vertiefung einzelner Themen: Drucker P. 1964: „Managing for Results”, Harper Collins Publishers“, 240 p. Malik F. 2005: "Führen, Leisten, Leben. Wirksames Management für eine neue Zeit. ", Heyne, 408p. Mintzberg H. et al. 2001: “Strategy Safari. The Complete guide through the wilds of strategic management: A Guided Tour Through the Wilds of Strategic Management”, Finanical Times, 416 p. Osterwalder A., Pigneur Y. 2010: Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers, wiley, 278 p | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Deutsch | |||||
151-0757-00L | Environmental Management | W | 2 credits | 2G | R. Züst | |
Abstract | An environmental management system has the objective to continuously improve the environmental performance of the activities, products and services of a company. The company has to introduce different management procedures. The goal of this lecture is to provide basics and specific procedure to implement the environmental dimension in the planning and decision making processes of an organisation. | |||||
Objective | Overview on environmental management and environmental management systems, general methods and principles. | |||||
Content | Introduction to environmental mangement / environmental management systems, energy and material flows; economical and ecological problems in industry; charakterisation of an enterprise (incl. management handbook); structur and contents of an environmental management system; overview on the ISO 14001 ff. series; methodes for environmental evaluation and assessment; integrated management systems; planning methodology and life-cycle-design design; planning exampl | |||||
Lecture notes | Information about environmental management and environmental management systems will be provided by a CD or mail. | |||||
Literature | a list with literatures and links will be provided | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Delivery of a case study, worked out in groups. Language: Teaching in English on request. | |||||
351-0778-00L | Discovering Management Entry level course in management for BSc, MSc and PHD students at all levels not belonging to D-MTEC. This course can be complemented with Discovering Management (Excercises) 351-0778-01. | W | 3 credits | 3G | B. Clarysse, M. Ambühl, S. Brusoni, E. Fleisch, G. Grote, V. Hoffmann, P. Schönsleben, G. von Krogh, F. von Wangenheim | |
Abstract | Discovering Management offers an introduction to the field of business management and entrepreneurship for engineers and natural scientists. The module provides an overview of the principles of management, teaches knowledge about management that is highly complementary to the students' technical knowledge, and provides a basis for advancing the knowledge of the various subjects offered at D-MTEC. | |||||
Objective | Discovering Management combines in an innovate format a set of lectures and an advanced business game. The learning model for Discovering Management involves 'learning by doing'. The objective is to introduce the students to the relevant topics of the management literature and give them a good introduction in entrepreneurship topics too. The course is a series of lectures on the topics of strategy, innovation, corporate finance, leadership, design thinking and corporate social responsibility. While the 14 different lectures provide the theoretical and conceptual foundations, the experiential learning outcomes result from the interactive business game. The purpose of the business game is to analyse the innovative needs of a large multinational company and develop a business case for the company to grow. This business case is as relevant to someone exploring innovation within an organisation as it is if you are planning to start your own business. By discovering the key aspects of entrepreneurial management, the purpose of the course is to advance students' understanding of factors driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and company success. | |||||
Content | Discovering Management aims to broaden the students' understanding of the principles of business management, emphasizing the interdependence of various topics in the development and management of a firm. The lectures introduce students not only to topics relevant for managing large corporations, but also touch upon the different aspects of starting up your own venture. The lectures will be presented by the respective area specialists at D-MTEC. The course broadens the view and understanding of technology by linking it with its commercial applications and with society. The lectures are designed to introduce students to topics related to strategy, corporate innovation, leadership, corporate and entrepreneurial finance, value chain analysis, corporate social responsibility, and business model innovation. Practical examples from industry experts will stimulate the students to critically assess these issues. Creative skills will be trained by the business game exercise, a participant-centered learning activity, which provides students with the opportunity to place themselves in the role of Chief Innovation Officer of a large multinational company. As they learn more about the specific case and identify the challenge they are faced with, the students will have to develop an innovative business case for this multinational corporation. Doing so, this exercise will provide an insight into the context of managerial problem-solving and corporate innovation, and enhance the students' appreciation for the complex tasks companies and managers deal with. The business game presents a realistic model of a company and provides a valuable learning platform to integrate the increasingly important development of the skills and competences required to identify entrepreneurial opportunities, analyse the future business environment and successfully respond to it by taking systematic decisions, e.g. critical assessment of technological possibilities. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Discovering Management is designed to suit the needs and expectations of Bachelor students at all levels as well as Master and PhD students not belonging to D-MTEC. By providing an overview of Business Management, this course is an ideal enrichment of the standard curriculum at ETH Zurich. No prior knowledge of business or economics is required to successfully complete this course. | |||||
351-0778-01L | Discovering Management (Exercises) Complementary exercises for the module Discovering Managment. Prerequisite: Participation and successful completion of the module Discovering Management (351-0778-00L) is mandatory. | W | 1 credit | 1U | B. Clarysse, L. De Cuyper | |
Abstract | This course is offered complementary to the basis course 351-0778-00L, "Discovering Management". The course offers additional exercises and case studies. | |||||
Objective | This course is offered to complement the course 351-0778-00L. The course offers additional exercises and case studies. | |||||
Content | The course offers additional exercises and case studies concering: Strategic Management; Technology and Innovation Management; Operations and Supply Chain Management; Finance and Accounting; Marketing and Sales. Please refer to the course website for further information on the content, credit conditions and schedule of the module: Link | |||||
363-0503-00L | Principles of Microeconomics | W | 3 credits | 2G | M. Filippini | |
Abstract | The course introduces basic principles, problems and approaches of microeconomics. | |||||
Objective | The learning objectives of the course are: (1) Students must be able to discuss basic principles, problems and approaches in microeconomics. (2) Students can analyse and explain simple economic principles in a market using supply and demand graphs. (3) Students can contrast different market structures and describe firm and consumer behaviour. (4) Students can identify market failures such as externalities related to market activities and illustrate how these affect the economy as a whole. (5) Students can apply simple mathematical treatment of some basic concepts and can solve utility maximization and cost minimization problems. | |||||
Lecture notes | Lecture notes, exercises and reference material can be downloaded from Moodle. | |||||
Literature | N. Gregory Mankiw and Mark P. Taylor (2014), "Economics", 3rd edition, South-Western Cengage Learning. The book can also be used for the course 'Principles of Macroeconomics' (Sturm) For students taking only the course 'Principles of Microeconomics' there is a shorter version of the same book: N. Gregory Mankiw and Mark P. Taylor (2014), "Microeconomics", 3rd edition, South-Western Cengage Learning. Complementary: 1. R. Pindyck and D. Rubinfeld (2012), "Microeconomics", 8th edition, Pearson Education. 2. Varian, H.R. (2014), "Intermediate Microeconomics", 9th edition, Norton & Company | |||||
751-1101-00L | Finances and Accounting System | W | 2 credits | 2G | M. Dumondel | |
Abstract | To understand accounting as a component of the complex system of the enterprise | |||||
Objective | To understand accounting not as an isolated discipline, but as a part of the complex system of the enterprise | |||||
Content | Accounting system as a part of management economics. The different steps for scheduling and evaluation of the accountancy will be studied. The main part of the lecture is dedicated to the financial accounting – nevertheless the fundamentals of the internal cost-accounting will also be presented. The lecture will also include the clarification of concrete cases and the calculation of practical exercises. | |||||
Lecture notes | Course documentation and specified educational books | |||||
Literature | In the lecture one indicates | |||||
851-0626-01L | International Aid and Development Does not take place this semester. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics | W | 2 credits | 2V | I. Günther | |
Abstract | The course gives economic and empirical foundations for a sound understanding of the instruments, prospects and limitations of international development aid. | |||||
Objective | Students have a theoretically and empirically sound understanding of the prospects and limitations of international development aid. Students are able to critically discuss the various aid instruments of bi-and multilateral donors and NGOs. | |||||
Content | Introduction to the Determinants of Underdevelopment; History of Aid; Aid and Development: Theories and Empirics; Political Economy of Aid; Experience and Impact of Aid; New Instruments of Aid: e.g. Micro-Finance, Budget-Support; Fair-Trade. | |||||
Literature | Articles and book abstracts will be uploaded to a course website. | |||||
Module Political and Social Sciences | ||||||
Compulsory Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0747-00L | Environmental Policy of Switzerland I | O | 3 credits | 2V | E. Lieberherr | |
Abstract | This course presents the basics of policy analysis and the specific characteristics of Swiss environmental policy. Policy instruments, actors and processes are addressed both theoretically as well as by means of current Swiss environmental policy examples. | |||||
Objective | Beyond acquiring basic knowledge about policy analysis, this course teaches students how to analytically address current and concrete questions of environmental policy. Through exercises the students learn about political science concepts and frameworks as well as real-life political decision-making processes. The well-grounded examination of complex political conflict situations is an important precondition for the entry into the (environmental policy) workforce or a future research career. | |||||
Content | The processes of change, overuse or destruction of the natural environment through humans have historically placed high demands on social and political institutions. In the interplay between the environment, society and economy, the environmental policy field encompasses the sum of public measures that have the goal to eliminate, reduce or avoid environmental degradation. The course systematically presents the basics of environmental policy instruments, actors, programs and processes as well as their change over time. A key aspect is the distinction between politics and political science and specifically environmental policy. | |||||
Lecture notes | Instead of lecture notes different texts on policy analysis and Swiss environmental policy are made available to the students. | |||||
Literature | The lecture is based on the following book to be published in the summer of 2016: Ingold, K., Lieberherr, E., Schläpfer, I., Steinmann, K. und Zimmermann, W. Umweltpolitik der Schweiz: ein Lehrbuch. Zürich: Dike Verlag. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The detailed semester program (syllabus) is made available to the students at the beginning of the semester. | |||||
851-0577-00L | Principles of Political Science | O | 4 credits | 2V + 1U | S. Mohrenberg, Q. Nguyen | |
Abstract | This course covers the basic questions, concepts, theories, methods, and empirical findings of political science. | |||||
Objective | This course covers the basic questions, concepts, theories, methods, and empirical findings of political science. | |||||
Content | Der Kurs ist in zwei Teile gegliedert. Im ersten Teil erhalten die Teilnehmenden eine Einführung in die Wissenschaftstheorie, den Ablauf politikwissenschaftlicher Forschung, den Aufbau eines Forschungsdesigns und die Methodik der empirischen Sozialwissenschaften. Hier geht es primär darum zu zeigen wie PolitikwissenschaftlerInnen denken und arbeiten. Der zweite Teil des Kurses widmet sich zwei zentralen Teilbereichen der Politikwissenschaft: der Analyse politischer Systeme und den internationalen Beziehungen. Der Schwerpunkt dieses zweiten Teils liegt auf der Analyse politischer Systeme sowie den wichtigsten politischen Akteuren und der Beschaffenheit und Wirkung politischer Institutionen. Zur Veranschaulichung der behandelten Konzepte und Theorien gehen wir schwergewichtig und vergleichend auf die politischen Systeme Deutschlands, Österreichs und der Schweiz ein. Der Teilbereich der internationalen Beziehungen wird nur kursorisch behandelt, da dieser Teilbereich Inhalt einer Folgeveranstaltung im Frühlingssemester (Internationale Politik, Prof. Schimmelfennig) ist. Zur Vorlesung wird ein Tutorat (Uebung) angeboten. Darin werden die zentralen Konzepte, Methoden und Themen der Vorlesung geübt und vertieft. Die Teilnahme am Tutorat ist integraler Bestandteil des Kurses. Der im Tutorat behandelte Stoff ist Bestandteil der Prüfungen. | |||||
Lecture notes | This course is based on the following textbook: "Politikwissenschaft: Grundlagen" by Thomas Bernauer, Patrick Kuhn, Stefanie Walter and Detlef Jahn (Nomos, 2015, 3nd Edition). | |||||
Literature | This course is based on the following textbook: "Politikwissenschaft: Grundlagen" by Thomas Bernauer, Patrick Kuhn, Stefanie Walter and Detlef Jahn (Nomos, 2015, 3nd Edition). | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Students attending this course and passing the required tests (one in the middle, the other at the end of the semester) will obtain 4 ECTS credit points. | |||||
Core Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0727-00L | Politics of Environmental Problem Solving in Developing Countries | W | 2 credits | 2G | U. Scheidegger | |
Abstract | The course focuses on processes and drivers of decision-making on natural resources management issues in developing countries. It gives insights into the relevance of ecological aspects in developing countries. It covers concepts, instruments, processes and actors in environmental politics at the example of specific environmental challenges of global importance. | |||||
Objective | After completion of the module, students will be able to: - Identify and appraise ecological aspects in development cooperation, development policies and developing countries' realities - Analyze the forces, components and processes, which influence the design, the implementation and the outcome of ecological measures - Characterize concepts, instruments and drivers of environmental politics and understand, how policies are shaped, both at national level and in multilateral negotiations - Study changes (improvements) in environmental politics over time as the result of the interaction of processes and actors, including international development organizations - Analyze politics and design approaches to influence them, looking among others at governance, social organization, legal issues and institutions | |||||
Content | Key issues and basic concepts related to environmental politics are introduced. Then the course predominantly builds on case studies, providing information on the context, specifying problems and potentials, describing processes, illustrating the change management, discussing experiences and outcomes, successes and failures. The analysis of the cases elucidates factors for success and pitfalls in terms of processes, key elements and intervention strategies. Different cases not only deal with different environmental problems, but also focus on different levels and degrees of formality. This ranges from local interventions with resource user groups as key stakeholders, to country level policies, to multi- and international initiatives and conventions. Linkages and interaction of the different system levels are highlighted. Special emphasis is given to natural resources management. The cases address the following issues: - Land use and soil fertility enhancement: From degradation to sustainable use - Common property resource management (forest and pasture): Collective action and property rights, community-based management - Ecosystem health (integrated pest management, soil and water conservation) - Payment for environmental services: Successes in natural resources management - Climate change and agriculture: Adaptation and mitigation possibilities - Biodiversity Convention: Implications for conservations and access to genetic resources - Biodiversity as a means for more secure livelihoods: Agroforestry and intercropping - The Millennium Development Goals: Interactions between poverty and the environment - Poverty and natural resources management: Poverty reduction strategies, the view of the poor themselves - Food security: Policies, causes for insecurity, the role of land grabbing - Biofuels and food security: Did politics misfire? - Strategy development at global level: IAASTD and World Development Report 2008 | |||||
Lecture notes | Information concerning the case studies and specific issues illustrated therein will be provided during the course (uploaded on Moodle) | |||||
Literature | Robbins P, 2004. Political ecology: a critical introduction. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, 242 p. Peet R, Robbins P, Watts M, 2011. Global political ecology. Routledge, New York, 450 p. Keeley J, Scoones I, 2000. Knowledge, power and politics: the environmental policy-making process in Ethiopia. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 38(1), 89-120. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The performance assessment will consist of an individual essay to be written by each student based on at least five references in addition to the sources provided in the course. Students can choose from a list of topics. Criteria for assessment will be communicated at the beginning of the course. | |||||
701-0731-00L | Environmental Behavior in Social Context | W | 2 credits | 2S | H. Bruderer Enzler | |
Abstract | This introductory class in the environmental social sciences covers topics such as environmental behavior, environmental concern, social dilemmas and social norms. | |||||
Objective | Basic knowledge of the environmental social sciences Overview on current fields of research and their relevance for practical application | |||||
Content | Umweltverhalten ist stets in einen gesellschaftlichen Kontext eingebettet und wird durch verschiedenste soziale, psychologische und situationale Faktoren beeinflusst. In diesem Kurs wird Umweltverhalten daher unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit Umweltbewusstsein, sozialen Dilemmata und sozialen Normen diskutiert. Alle Themen werden zunächst eingeführt und anschliessend durch Studierende vertieft. Die Studierenden gestalten voraussichtlich in Zweiergruppen eine Unterrichtsstunde und verfassen eine kurze schriftliche Arbeit. Fragen, die uns während des Semesters beschäftigen: - Wie kommt es zu Umweltschädigungen, obwohl niemand diese beabsichtigt? - Wer verhält sich besonders umweltschonend? Wie wird dies gemessen? - Welche Rolle spielt das Umweltbewusstsein? - Welche Rolle spielen äussere Faktoren (Möglichkeiten, Kosten etc.)? - Wie sehr lassen wir uns dadurch beeinflussen, was andere machen? - Kooperieren wir nur, wenn auch andere dies tun? | |||||
Literature | Diekmann, A., & Preisendörfer, P. (2001). Umweltsoziologie. Eine Einführung. Reinbek: Rowohlt. Steg, L., van den Berg, A., & de Groot, J. (2013). Environmental Psychology. An Introduction. Chichester: BPS Blackwell. | |||||
701-0985-00L | Social Intercourse with Current Environmental Risks | W | 1 credit | 1V | B. Nowack, C. M. Som-Koller | |
Abstract | The lecture treats the social intercourse with risks of technical systems. The notion of risk and the perception of risk are discussed by case studies (e.g. nanotechnology) and socio-political instruments for decision-making are presented. Methods are presented that can be applied to deal with environmental risks and how they can be used for sustainable innovation. | |||||
Objective | - Getting acquainted to the extended risk concept - Evaluation of the risks caused by technology within the societal context - Knowledge about the mode science and society handle current environmental risks (examples gene- and nanotechnology) - Knowledge about handling risks (e.g. precautionary principle, protection goal, damage definition, ethics) Knowledge about possibilities for sustainable innovation | |||||
Content | - Risks and technical systems (risk categories, risk perception, risk management) - Illustration with case studies (nanotechnology) - Implementation (politics, science, media, etc.) - Decision making (technology assessment, cost/benefit analysis etc.) - The role of the media - prospects for future developments | |||||
Lecture notes | Copies of slides and selected documents will be distributed | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The lecture is held biweekly (for 2 hours). The dates are 26.9., 3.10. (out of schedule), 24.10, 7.11, 21.11, 5.12, 19.12 | |||||
227-0802-02L | Sociology | W | 2 credits | 2V | A. Diekmann | |
Abstract | Various studies are used to introduce basic sociological concepts, theories and empirical research methods, along with selected sociological topics. The goal of the course is to provide participants with an understanding of working practice in empirical sociology and the central findings of sociological studies. | |||||
Objective | To learn about methods of empirical social research and key results of classic and modern sociological studies. | |||||
Content | Soziologie befasst sich mit den Regelmässigkeiten sozialer Handlungen und ihrer gesellschaftlichen Folgen. Sie richtet ihren Blick auf die Beschreibung und Erklärung neuer gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungen und erfasst diese mit emprischen Forschungsmethoden. Die Vorlesung wird u.a. anhand von Beispielstudien - klassische Untersuchungen ebenso wie moderne Forschungsarbeiten - in die Grundbegriffe, Theorien, Forschungsmethoden und Themenbereiche der Soziologie einführen. Folgende Themen werden behandelt: 1. Einführung in die Arbeitsweise der Soziologie anhand verschiedener Beispielstudien. Darstellung von Forschungsmethoden und ihrer Probleme. Etappen des Forschungsprozesses: Hypothese, Messung, Stichproben, Erhebungsmethoden, Datenanalyse. 2. Darstellung und Diskussion soziologischer Befunde aus der Umwelt- und Techniksoziologie. (1) Modernisierung und Technikrisiken, (2) Umweltbewegung, Umweltbewusstsein und Umweltverhalten, (3) Umweltprobleme als "soziale Dilemmata", (4) Modelle der Diffusion technischer Innovationen. 3. Der Beitrag der Sozialtheorie. Vorstellung und Diskussion ausgewählter Studien zu einzelnen Themenbereichen, z.B.: (1) Die Entstehung sozialer Kooperation, (2) Reputation und Märkte, (3) Soziale Netzwerke u.a.m. Ergänzende Gruppenarbeiten (nicht verpflichtend). Im Rahmen des MTU-Programms des ITET und Programmen anderer Departemente können Semesterarbeiten in Soziologie (Durchführung einer kleinen empirischen Studie, Konstruktion eines Simulationsmodels sozialer Prozesse oder Diskussion einer vorliegenden soziologischen Untersuchung) angefertigt werden. Kreditpunkte (in der Regel 6 bis 12) für "kleine" oder "grosse" Semesterarbeiten werden nach den Regeln des Departements, das Semestergruppenarbeiten ermöglicht, vergeben. | |||||
Lecture notes | Folien der Vorlesung und weitere Materialien (Fachartikel, Kopien aus Büchern) werden auf der Webseite der Vorlesung zum Download zur Verfügung gestellt. | |||||
Literature | Folien der Vorlesung und weitere Materialien (Fachartikel, Kopien aus Büchern) werden auf der Webseite der Vorlesung zum Download zur Verfügung gestellt. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Interesse am Thema und Bereitschaft zum Mitdenken. | |||||
851-0591-00L | Digital Sustainability in the Knowledge Society Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MATL, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-USYS. | W | 2 credits | 2V | M. M. Dapp | |
Abstract | How do various interest groups influence the methods of production, distribution, and use of digital resources? Current models focusing on strong intellectual property rights are contrasted with open models like, e.g. Open Source/Content/Access. The course discusses consequences from different models and introduces »digital sustainability« as an alternative vision for society. | |||||
Objective | At the heart of the discourse is the handling of digital goods and intellectual property in society. Digitization and the Internet allow handling knowledge in a way, which directly contrasts with the traditional understanding of "intellectual property" and the industries based on it. Starting from economic and legal basics, we compare proprietary and open/"free" models. Sustainable development as a concept is transferred to digital goods, taking into account the particular nature of digital stuff. After the lecture, you should (hopefully) be able to - characterize the nature of digital goods vs. physical goods - critique the basic concepts of copyright and patent rights - explain the political/legal and economic differences between proprietary and open approaches to the production and use of digital goods - using an example, explain the meaning of digital sustainability and argue why it is relevant for a knowledge society - transfer the ideas of the free/open source software model to other digital goods (e.g., open content, open access) | |||||
Content | Technical reality: Within minutes you can make perfect copies of high-value digital goods of knowledge or culture (as text, audio, video, image or software) and distribute them around the globe -- for free. «Digitization plus Internet» allows for the first time in humankind's history the (theoretically) free access and global exchange of knowledge at minimal cost. A tremendous opportunity for societal development, in north and south. «Cool, so what's the problem?» The problem is, that this reality poses a fundamental threat to today's business model of the knowledge and culture industries (starting from the music label and Hollywood, via publishers, up to software vendors). Powerful commercial interests are at stake as «knowledge» (the fourth factor of production) will become ever more important in the 21st century. Accordingly, «piracy» and «file-sharing» are attacked with all means. At the core lies the question about the design of property in digital assets. For that, we apply a concept of «intellectual property», which is several hundred years old and does not address digtal reality in an adequate manner, sometimes leading to absurd situations. Its original goal seems to get forgotten: to help society develop by spreading knowledge as much as possible. Using the PC becomes the new cultural technique of the 21st century. In contrast to «reading, writing and arithmetics», this new cultural technique cannot exist in isolation, but depends on a hard- and software infrastructure. This dependency extends to the provider of the infrastructure, who can define technical rules, which can take away or restrict the user's freedom. Even advanced users may have difficulties in recognizing these, often hidden, restrictions and in evaluating their societal relevance. But exactly these invisible consequences we need to understand and investigate, because they decide about access, distribution and usage of digital knowledge. Comparable to the environmentalist movement of the 60s and 70s, a growing political movement for «Free Software» exists today, with «GNU/Linux» as its most popular symbol. The movement fights against treating software code as private property but as a central cultural good available to all without private interests. Based on the success of the Free Software movement, new initiatives extend the concepts to other domains (e.g. scientific knowledge, music)... As a «teaser» to the lecture, you are invited to read the essay «ETH Zurich - A Pioneer in Digital Sustainability!». It can be downloaded from Link. More on teach.digisus.info starting from September. Stay tuned. | |||||
Lecture notes | Slides and other material (both usually in English) will be made available on a weekly basis as the lecture proceeds. | |||||
Literature | Content of the following books is covered (PDFs freely available online): 1 Volker Grassmuck, Freie Software - Zwischen Privat- und Gemeineigentum, Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung, 2. Aufl. Bonn 2004. 2 François Lévêque & Yann Ménière, The Economics of Patents and Copyright, Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004. 3 Yochai Benkler, The Wealth of Networks, Yale University Press. New Haven 2006. Other recommended books are: 1 (general) Chris DiBona et al., Open Sources – Voices from the Open Source Revolution, O'Reilly, 1999. 2 (pol. sc.) Steven Weber, The Success of Open Source, Harvard UP, 2004. 3 (law) James Boyle, Shamans, Software, & Spleens - Law and The Construction of the Information Society, Harvard UP, 1996. 4 (law) Lawrence Lessig, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Basic Books, New York 1999. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | For administrative and didactic reasons (high level of interaction and credit group assignments on current hot topics), the number of participants is limited to 45. Of course, any interested person is invited to attend the lecture without doing the group assignment. The website is actively used for the lecture. | |||||
851-0594-00L | International Environmental Politics Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-USYS | W | 3 credits | 2V | T. Bernauer | |
Abstract | This course focuses on the conditions under which cooperation in international environmental politics emerges and the conditions under which such cooperation and the respective public policies are effective and/or efficient. | |||||
Objective | The objectives of this course are to (1) gain an overview of relevant questions in the area of international environmental politics from a social sciences viewpoint; (2) learn how to identify interesting/innovative questions concerning this policy area and how to answer them in a methodologically sophisticated way; (3) gain an overview of important global and regional environmental problems. | |||||
Content | This course deals with how and why international cooperation in environmental politics emerges, and under what circumstances such cooperation is effective and efficient. Based on theories of international political economy and theories of government regulation various examples of international environmental politics are discussed: the management of international water resources, the problem of unsafe nuclear power plants in eastern Europe, political responses to global warming, the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer, the reduction of long-range transboundary air pollution in Europe, the prevention of pollution of the oceans, etc. The course is open to all ETH students. Participation does not require previous coursework in the social sciences. After passing an end-of-semester test (requirement: grade 4.0 or higher) students will receive 3 ECTS credit points. The workload is around 90 hours (meetings, reading assignments, preparation of test). Visiting students (e.g., from the University of Zurich) are subject to the same conditions. Registration of visiting students in the web-based system of ETH is compulsory. | |||||
Lecture notes | Assigned reading materials and slides will be available at Link (select link 'Registered students, please click here for course materials' at top of that page). Log in with your nethz name and password. Questions concerning access to course materials can be addressed to Mike Hudecheck (Mike Hudecheck <Link>). All assigned papers must be read ahead of the respective meeting. Following the course on the basis of on-line slides and papers alone is not sufficient. Physical presence in the classroom is essential. Many books and journals covering international environmental policy issues can be found at the D-GESS library at the IFW building, Haldeneggsteig 4, B-floor, or in the library of D-USYS. | |||||
Literature | Assigned reading materials and slides will be available at Link (select link 'Registered students, please click here for course materials' at top of that page). Log in with your nethz name and password. Questions concerning access to course materials can be addressed to Mike Hudecheck (Mike Hudecheck <Link>). | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | None | |||||
Module Individual Sciences | ||||||
Compulsory Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0721-00L | Psychology | O | 3 credits | 2V | R. Hansmann, C. Keller, M. Siegrist | |
Abstract | This course provides an introduction to psychological research and modelling, focusing on cognitive psychology and the psychological experiment. Participants learn to formulate problems for psychological investigation and apply basic forms of psychological experiment. | |||||
Objective | Students are able to - describe the areas, concepts, theories, methods and findings of psychology. - differentate scientific psychology from "everyday" psychology. - structure the conclusions and significance of an experiment. according to a theory of psychology. - formulate a problem for psychological investigation. - apply basic forms of psychological experiment. | |||||
Content | Einführung in die psychologische Forschung und Modellbildung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der kognitiven Psychologie und des psychologischen Experiments. Themen sind u.a.: Wahrnehmung; Lernen und Entwicklung; Denken und Problemlösen; Kognitive Sozialpsychologie; Risiko und Entscheidung. | |||||
752-2120-00L | Consumer Behaviour I | O | 2 credits | 2V | M. Siegrist, C. Keller, B. S. Sütterlin | |
Abstract | Introduction in consumer research. The following aspects will be emphasized in the course: Consumer decision making, indiviudal determinants of consumer behavior, environmental influences on consumer behavior, influencing consumer behavior | |||||
Objective | Introduction in consumer research. The following aspects will be emphasized in the course: Consumer decision making, indiviudal determinants of consumer behavior, environmental influences on consumer behavior, influencing consumer behavior | |||||
Core Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0771-00L | Environmental Conciousness and Public Relations Number of participants limited to 60. Sign in until 29.09.2016. Please describe your expectations. Why do want to attend this special topic? Do you have any pre-information about the integral model? Do you have any practical experience in environmental communication? | W | 2 credits | 2G | R. Locher Van Wezemael | |
Abstract | "Environmental Conciousness and Public Relations" shows how to communicate about environment and sustainability successfully. We look at campaigns, exhibitions and other public relations measures to learn, how to design and realize good communication. | |||||
Objective | You learn how to handle tools and concepts in environmental communication. And you can evaluate communication projects. We also discuss the evolution of consciousness. | |||||
Content | - Methods and tools in environmental communication. - Marketing mix - Examples of campaigns, events, print products, media relations. - Integral sustainability | |||||
Lecture notes | Handouts | |||||
Literature | - Integral Vision; Ken Wilber, 2005 | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | We will discuss new trends in environmental communication with the focus on integral solutions. | |||||
701-0785-00L | Environmental and Science Communication Number of participants limited to 120. 60 ETH students and 60 UZH students. The time (date and exact time) of enrolment is decisive. If there are less than 60 enrolments of one group either ETH or UZH students then the available spaces will be given to the other group. ATTENTION: Enrolment of this course unit is only possible from August 31 until September 14, 2016. Information for UZH students: Enrolment to this course unit is only possible at ETH. No enrolment to module 251359 at UZH. Please mind the ETH enrolment deadlines for UZH students: Link | W | 4 credits | 2V | M. Schäfer | |
Abstract | The course gives an introductionary overview in research questions, theoretical perspectives and empirical results of science communication and environmental communication. They will be illustrated by concrete examples and via lectures from external guests. . | |||||
Objective | Goals: Learning to understand structures and processes of environmental and science communication, becoming more sensitive for problems of science public relations, getting an insight into public debates about environmental issues. Methods: invitation of media practitioners and experts, discussions, lectures on key theoretical concepts of communication. Topics: Concrete communication instruments like media conferences, theoretical perspectives of public relations, basic principles and examples of information campaigns, environment and science as media topics, functions and structures of science communication, relations between science, media and politics. | |||||
Content | I. Introduction - Topics: Environment, Science, Risks, Media - Forms, Functions, Effects of Public and Mass Communication II. Stakeholders and their Public Relations Efforts - Public Relations and Science PR: Theoretical Perspectives, Instruments III. Science and Environmental Issues in the Media - Forms and Functions of Science Journalism - Problems of Selection, Interpretation, Quality - Media Content Analysis - Online Communication IV. Uses and Effects of Science and Environmental Communication - Extent of Media Use - Effects on Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, Environmental Attitudes - Effects on Science itself | |||||
Lecture notes | Literature and powerpoint presentations will be provided on the OLAT platform. | |||||
Literature | Boykoff, Maxwell T. (2011): Who Speaks for the Climate? Making Sense of Media Reporting on Climate Change. Cambridge, New York. Brossard, Dominique / Scheufele, Dietram A. (2013): Science, New Media, and the Public. In: Science 339, H. 6115, S. 40-41. Bubela, Tania / Nisbet, Matthew C. / Borchelt, Rick / Brunger, Fern / Critchley, Cristine / Einsiedel, Edna et al. (2009): Science Communication Reconsidered. In: Nature Biotechnology 27, H. 6, S. 514-518. Göpfert, Winfried (2007): The Strength of PR and the Weakness of Science Journalism. In: Bauer, Martin / Bucchi, Massimiano (Hg.): Journalism, Science and Society. Science Communication Between News and Public Relations. New York, S. 215-226. Gregory, Jane / Miller, Steve (1998): Science in Public. Communication, Culture, and Credibility. New York. Hansen, Anders (2011): Communication, Media and Environment: Towards Reconnecting Research on the Production, Content and Social Implications of Environmental Communication. In: International Communication Gazette 73, H. 1-2, S. 7-25. Renn, Ortwin (2008): Concepts of Risk: An Interdisciplinary Review. In: GAIA 17, H. 1 & 2, S. 50-66 / 196-204. Rödder, Simone / Franzen, Martina / Weingart, Peter (Hg.): The Sciences' Media Connection - Public Communication and its Repercussions. Dordrecht, S. 59-85. Schäfer, Mike S. (2011): Sources, Characteristics and Effects of Mass Media Communication on Science: A Review of the Literature, Current Trends and Areas for Future Research. In: Sociology Compass 5, H. 6, S. 399-412. Sjöberg, Lennart (2000): Factors in Risk Perception. In: Risk Analysis 20, H. 1, S. 1-11. Slovic, Paul (1987): Perception of Risk. In: Science 236, H. 4799, S. 280-285. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Die Vorlesung wendet sich auch an Studierende der Publizistikwissenschaft der Universität Zürich Voraussetzungen: Die Vorlesung hat einführenden Charakter. | |||||
Module Humanities | ||||||
Compulsory Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0701-00L | Philosophy of Science | O | 3 credits | 2V | G. Hirsch Hadorn, C. J. Baumberger | |
Abstract | The lecture explores various strands in philosophy of science in a critical way, focusing on the notion of rationality in science, especially with regards to environmental research. It addresses the significance and limits of empirical, mathematical and logical methods, as well as problems and ethical issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
Objective | Students learn to engage with problems in the philosophy of science and to relate them to natural and environmental sciences, thus developing their skills in critical thinking about science and its use. They know the most important positions in philosophy of science and the objections they face. They can identify, structure and discuss issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
Content | 1. Core differences between classical Greek and modern conceptions of science. 2. Classic positions in the philosophy of science in the 20th century: logical empiricism and critical rationalism (Popper); the analysis of scientific concepts and explanations. 3. Objections to logical empiricism and critical rationalism, and further developments: What is the difference between the natural sciences, the social sciences and the arts and humanities? What is progress in science (Kuhn, Fleck, Feyerabend)? Is scientific knowledge relativistic? What is the role of experiments and computer simulations? 4. Issues raised by the use of science in society: The relation between basic and applied research; inter- and transdisciplinarity; ethics and accountability of science. | |||||
Lecture notes | A reader will be available for students. | |||||
Literature | A list of introductory literature and handbooks will be distributed to the students. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Oral examination during the session examination. Further optional exercises accompany the lecture and offer the opportunity for an in-depth discussion of selected texts from the reader. Students receive an additional credit point. They have to sign up separately for the exercises for the course 701-0701-01 U. | |||||
701-0703-00L | Environmental Ethics | O | 2 credits | 2V | M. Huppenbauer | |
Abstract | The lecture beginns with an introduction to applied ethics in general. The main focus is on environmental ethics. Students learn to handle important concepts and positions of environmental ethics. They achieve a deeper understanding of these concepts and positions in applying them to ecological problems and discussing them in case studies. | |||||
Objective | On completion of this lecture course you will have acquired the ability to identify and process general and environmental ethical problems. You will be capable of recognising and analysing environmental ethical problems and of working towards a solution. You will have acquired a fundamental knowledge of standpoints and argumentations to be found within the field of environmental ethics and will have practised these in small case studies. | |||||
Content | - Introduction to general and applied ethics. - Overview and discussion of ethical theories relevant to the environment. - Familiarisation with various basic standpoints within environmental ethics. - Cross-section topics, such as sustainability, intergenerational justice, protection of species, etc. - Practising of newly acquired knowledge in case studies (protection of species, climate change, etc.) | |||||
Lecture notes | Summaries of the individual sessions will be distributed, including the most important theories and keywords; reading list. In the part of the course serving as an introduction to general and applied ethics, we shall be using the following textbook: Barbara Bleisch/Markus Huppenbauer: Ethische Entscheidungsfindung. Ein Handbuch für die Praxis, 2nd Edition Zürich 2014 | |||||
Literature | - Angelika Krebs (Hrg.) Naturethik. Grundtexte der gegenwärtigen tier- und ökoethischen Diskussion 1997 - Andrew Light/Holmes Rolston III, Environmental Ethics. An Anthology, 2003 - John O'Neill et al., Environmental Values, 2008 - Klaus Peter Rippe, Ethik im ausserhumanen Bereich, Paderborn (mentis) 2008 Generel introductions: - Barbara Bleisch/Markus Huppenbauer: Ethische Entscheidungsfindung. Ein Handbuch für die Praxis, Zürich 2014, 2. Auflage - Marcus Düwell et. al (Hrg.), Handbuch Ethik, 2. Auflage, Stuttgart (Metzler Verlag), 2006 - Johann S. Ach et. al (Hrg.), Grundkurs Ethik 1. Grundlagen, Paderborn (mentis) 2008 | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The procedure for accumulating CP will be explained at the start of term. I expect participants to be motivated and contribute to discussions, keeping the course interesting and lively. | |||||
Core Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
701-0701-01L | Philosophy of Science: Exercises | W | 1 credit | 1U | G. Hirsch Hadorn, C. J. Baumberger | |
Abstract | The exercises in philosophy of science serve to develop skills in critical thinking by discussing seminal texts about the rationality of science. Topics discussed include the significance and limits of empirical, mathematical and logical methods, as well as problems and ethical issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
Objective | Students can engage with problems in the philosophy of science and to relate them to natural and environmental sciences. They learn to analyze and summarize philosophical texts. In this way, they develop their skills in critical thinking with a focus on the rationality of science. | |||||
Content | The optional exercises accompany the lecture and serve to develop skills in critical thinking with a focus on the rationality of science, based on discussing seminal texts. The texts cover important positions in the philosophy of science and their critics. Topics discussed include the significance and limits of empirical, mathematical and logical methods, as well as problems and ethical issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
Lecture notes | A reader will be available for students. | |||||
Literature | A list of literature will be distributed to the students together with the reader. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Students that want to subscribe for this course also have to subscribe for the lecture 701-0701-00 V "Wissenschaftsphilosophie". Credit points are given for preparing a structure and a summary of one of the texts. | |||||
701-0791-00L | Environmental History - Introduction and Overview Number of participants limited to 100. | W | 2 credits | 2V | D. Speich Chassé | |
Abstract | Our society faces a serious ecological crisis. Of what historical dimension is this crisis? How have human societies already in earlier times changed their environment, and, consequently, perhaps also ours? What were the main ecological challenges for societies and how did they change over time? And how did societies adapt to changing environmental conditions? | |||||
Objective | Introduction into environmental history; survey of long-term development of human-nature-interrelations; discussion of selected problems. Improved ability to assess current problems from a historical perspective and to critically interrogate one's own standpoint. | |||||
Lecture notes | Course material is provided on OLAT. | |||||
Literature | McNeill, John R. 2000. Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world, New York: Norton. Uekötter, Frank (Ed.) 2010. The turning points of environmental history, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Winiwarter, Verena und Martin Knoll 2007. Umweltgeschichte: Eine Einführung, Köln: Böhlau. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Students are asked to write an exam during the second last session (11.12.2015). | |||||
Compulsory Electives D-GESS SiP (For All Modules Eligible) | ||||||
» Political Science | ||||||
» Law | ||||||
» Sociology | ||||||
» Economy | ||||||
» Psychology, Pedagogics | ||||||
» History | ||||||
» Philosophy | ||||||
» Science Research |